7 Of The Best 100% Dimmable LED Light Bulbs
Introduction
Hi there and welcome to this article fully dimmable LED light bulbs. Lots of LED light bulbs are dimmable. But in this article we are looking at bulbs that will dim down to zero. Or, to put it another way 100% dimmable.
If you are interested in how LEDs work with dimmer switches then see our article here.
In order to find the most dimmable light bulbs I downloaded information on 12,148 different light bulbs from Energy Star. These bulbs have been examined by independent labs to make sure they meet their manufacturers’ claims for energy efficiency.
In addition to the Energy Star data our selections of the best fully dimmable LED light bulbs are based on a number of criteria:
- Online reviews from a number of light bulb retailers
- Price, we are always looking for the best value
- Energy Star qualified, whether the bulbs has met strict energy efficiency criteria set by the EPA
- Lifetime and length of warranty, as these provide a measure of quality
- Dimmable, having a bulb that can be used with a dimmer switch makes it more versatile
E12 Chandelier – IKEA LEDARE
Firstly, a while back, I wrote an article on the most efficient LED light bulbs. And IKEA featured heavily. In fact IKEA changed all of its lighting to use LEDs in 2015. And nothing else. Presently they sell around 121 different light bulbs, all LED.
While this LEDARE bulb did not make it to the super efficient list it does produce 450 lumens of soft white for only 5 watts. So not bad. Also it is rated to last 25,000 hours and comes with a three year warranty. All for only $3 a bulb.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 5 stars out of 5 (from 2 reviews)
- Price: Around $3 a bulb if bought individually
- Wattage: 40 watt equivalent / 5 watts actual
- Lumens: 450
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Dimmable: Yes – 100%
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
GU10 – EcoSmart 50 Watt
EcoSmart are a proprietary brand for Home Depot (this is a brand that is made by a different company but is only available in Home Depot). The company who manufactures them is Lighting Science Group Corporation, an American company based in Rhode Island.
This 100% dimmable LED has a GU10 connector. Which is the two little feet at the bottom of the bulb that lock it in place in the sockets. If you are confused between GU10 and MR16 bulbs (one is the connector and one is the shape) you can check out our post here.
So a few facts about this bulb. Firstly it provides 380 lumens of warm white light. Further it is rated to last 25,000 hours and has a five year warranty. Which I like a lot. If fact this is a lot of light bulb for $5. Finally it is shatter resistant and Energy Star certified.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $5 a bulb if bought in a 3-pack
- Wattage: 50 watt equivalent / 5 watts actual
- Lumens: 380
- Light Range: Warm White (3000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (22 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Floodlight – Philips PAR38 45W
Philips are the number one supplier of light bulbs in Europe and are known for their reliable if somewhat expensive bulbs. In this case, at just under $6.50.
However for that price you do get a lot of light bulb. Firstly has a rated lifetime of 25,000 hours and a five year warranty. Moreover if you register your details with Philips online they will extend the warranty to ten years. To me this speaks to just how much Philip have faith in the quality of their products.
The bulb itself is a PAR38 model. Being that PAR stands for parabolic aluminized reflector and 38 is the size. That is 38 time 1/8th of an inch or 4.75 inches across. So quite big.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.7 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $6.40 a bulb if bought in a 2-pack
- Wattage: 45 watt equivalent / 9 watts actual
- Lumens: 500
- Light Range: Warm White (3000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (22 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 or 10 years
- Dimmable: Yes – 100%
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor and outdoor use
Floodlight – EcoSmart PAR16
So, another EcoSmart light bulb makes it to our fully dimmable LED light bulbs list.
In this case a small PAR16 flood light bulb. To point out, the PAR part (parabolic aluminized reflector) means that the bulb has an aluminum lining that reflects light downwards. Together with the 16, which is the size, 16 time 1/8th inches, or 2 inches diameter.
Finally a couple of key point. The bulb provides 350 lumens of warm white light. Also it should last 25,000 hours and has a five year warranty. All good for $5.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $5 a bulb if bought in a 2-pack
- Wattage: 35 watt equivalent / 4.5 watts actual
- Lumens: 350
- Light Range: Warm White (3000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (22 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 5 years
- Dimmable: Yes
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Floodlight – Greenlite BR30
Greenlite have been in business since 1994. They manufacture LED light bulbs and water saving, weatherization and smart home products. Moreover they are proud to be diversity-owned and women-owned. And have their headquarters in Irvine, California.
While this is not the cheapest light bulb in our list it does have a lifetime of 25,000 hours and a three year warranty. Also it puts out 670 watts of soft white light in this bulged reflector.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 5 stars out of 5 (2 ratings)
- Price: Around $13 a bulb if bought individually
- Wattage: 65 watt equivalent / 8 watts actual
- Lumens: 670
- Light Range: Soft White (2700k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (22 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Dimmable: Yes – 100%
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Smart – Philips Hue White Ambiance A19
Philips have been making light bulbs since 1892 and are the number one manufacturer in Europe. In particular they are known for creating high-quality product that comes at a slightly higher price point.
Their Hue range covers light bulbs, the hue bridge and a smartphone app. In addition, the Hue Bluetooth app for smartphones can control up to 10 bulbs. For more than that you will need to purchase a Hue Hub which allows for up to 50 bulbs.
Also the bulbs work with voice control through Alexa and Google Assistant. By comparison, the color bulbs in this range cost around $30 each.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $23 a bulb if bought individually
- Wattage: 60 watt equivalent / # watts actual
- Lumens: 800
- Light Range: Adjustable white Soft White (2700k), Warm White (3000k) Daylight (5000k) and Bright Daylight (6000k)
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (13 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Dimmable: Yes via the app
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only
Smart – Feit BR30 WiFi
Feit have been in the lighting business for more than 40 years (since 1978) and are a family owned and operated business out of Los Angeles. They claim to hold an inventory of 100 million bulbs and fixtures in their automated distribution center allowing them to ship orders within 24 hours.
This smart bulb can be controlled via a downloadable app (Android & iOS) which can turn the bulb on and off. Also it can dim and set the light color or the white color temperature for (warm to daylight). This requires a 2.4GHz WiFi network, but you do not need a smart hub. The bulbs also work with Alexa to allow voice control.
To point out, this light bulb is currently on sale at Amazon for $8 which is a real bargain.
Fact sheet
- Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
- Price: Around $8 a bulb if bought individually (normally $18)
- Wattage: 60 watt equivalent / 7.2 watts actual
- Lumens: 650
- Light Range: Multi-color RGB. 2700K soft white to energizing 6500K daylight
- Lifetime: Rated to last 25,000 hour (22 years based on 3 hours per day use)
- Warranty: 3 years
- Dimmable: Yes with app or voice assistant
- Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor use only